Four people were detained during an overnight game room raid on the north side.

Harris County Precinct 1 deputies descended on the Jumbo Jack Game Room, 5715 Airline near Dipping, around 11 p.m. Friday to execute a search warrant at what is supposed to be a legally operated establishment, Constable Alan Rosen said.

"They're portraying this business as a place to gamble when you win prizes such as a TV," he said. "It's a front for an illegal gaming operation. They pay cash."

About three dozen people were present during the raid. Officials seized about 170 so-called "eight-liner" machines.

Two people of the four apprehended were booked.

Maria Elena Montemayor, also known as Maria Elena Zambrano, 42, was charged with possession of a gambling device or equipment, a misdemeanor. Alma Hernandez, also 42, had an open Harris County Sheriff's Office warrant accusing her of cruelty to animals.

"It's real simple: These illegal gaming operations really breed crime in the area, Rosen said. "People are walking in and out of these establishments with money. Crooks and thieves know that. And we're seeing increased illegal activity around these gaming rooms."

Precinct 1's game room task force hit another north side illegal gambling spot about two weeks ago, the constable said.

Rosen said his officers are "actively pursuing" these operations as well as prostitution and illegal massage parlors.